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Dawn - 21:24 Apr 14, 2026
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume over the next two days and that “we’re more inclined to go” to Pakistan, reported The New York Post. “You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump said. “It’s more likely, you know why? Because the Field Marshal is doing a great job. He’s fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there,“ he told The NY Post. “Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?” This was after he earlier told the US media outlet that discussions were “happening, but, you know, a little bit slow”, before indicating that a second round of direct negotiations would likely happen somewhere in Europe. According to The NY Post, he contacted them half an hour later and told their reporter to stay in Islamabad “because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there”. He also confir... -
Dawn - 20:44 Apr 14, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Amid fuel constraints, the government on Tuesday formally announced more than two hours of daily loadshedding “during peak hours” to prevent a sharp increase in electricity tariffs. However, K-Electric and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) are excluded from the loadshedding plan, the Power Division said. “The government has decided to suspend the electricity supply for about 2.25 hours daily between 5:00pm and 1:00am,” the Power Division said in a statement. “This step is aimed at reducing the use of costly fuels and preventing a sharp rise in tariffs,” it added. This stems from the suspension of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports following the force majeure declared by Qatar due to attacks on its gas field amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Qatar is the main LNG supplier to Pakistan under two long-term contracts envisaging up to 1,000 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd). The Power Division said it was capable of meeting full demand but this had negative consequences. “The main challenge at pr... -
Dawn - 20:17 Apr 14, 2026
Israel and Lebanon agreed to direct negotiations following talks in Washington on Tuesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had hailed as a “historic opportunity” for peace. The two countries have technically been at war for decades, and Tuesday’s talks have been vehemently opposed by Hezbollah, which announced that it had fired rockets at more than a dozen northern Israeli towns just as the meeting was getting under way. The United States is pressing for a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing it could derail the two-week ceasefire in Washington’s war with Iran after talks with Tehran in Pakistan failed to achieve a breakthrough. Tuesday’s meeting in Washington, the first high-level direct talks since 1993, was mediated by Rubio and involved the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States. “This is a historic opportunity,” Rubio said as he welcomed the ambassadors, acknowledging the “decades of history” complicating the process. “The hope today is that we can outline a fra... -
Dawn - 18:54 Apr 14, 2026
An expose by the BBC has revealed that “serious malpractices” in the children’s ward of a government hospital in Punjab’s Taunsa continued months after the facility was linked to an outbreak of HIV among children, the British broadcaster said. A surge in HIV cases at Taunsa Tehsil Headquarters Hospital was reported in late 2024. “Punjab authorities promised a crackdown – but months later, secret filming by BBC Eye Investigations found that children’s lives were still being put at risk,” the broadcaster said in a press release. The revelations were made in a documentary podcast and have also been detailed in a written report. The BBC said that months after 106 children were infected in Taunsa, health authorities promised a ‘massive crackdown’ and suspended the medical superintendent of THQ in March 2025, but an insider working in the hospital told the broadcaster that nothing had changed. “Acting on evidence provided, the BBC went undercover inside the children’s ward in late 2025. Filmed covertly over several... -
Dawn - 17:41 Apr 14, 2026
Around 250 people, including children, were feared missing after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals capsized in the Andaman Sea, the United Nations said on Tuesday. “The trawler, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh and was on its way to Malaysia, reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas, and overcrowding,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement. Thousands of Rohingya, Myanmar’s persecuted Muslim minority, risk their lives every year fleeing repression and civil war in their country. They travel by sea, often aboard makeshift boats. The Rohingya on board this latest boat were likely leaving huge camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, where more than a million refugees forced to flee Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine live in squalid conditions. Rakhine state has been the scene of fierce fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, an ethnic minority rebel group, over control of the territory. The exact circumstances surroundi... -
Dawn - 16:43 Apr 14, 2026
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday called on the business community to bring back “20-30 per cent” of their wealth to Pakistan ahead of the upcoming budget. Speaking at a ceremony at the Federation House in Karachi, he said that the government would facilitate the business community but “at least give this one gesture over the next three months, before the budget and then see what happens”. “It is not tedious. You have to go online and use an app,” he said, adding that Pakistan offered strong returns on investment. He said that if the business community took this one step, it would compel the government to take more measures in their interests. “So, before the budget, bring back $10 billion … This is easily possible,” he said. In his address, he also said that a proposal for a separate passport for businessmen would be shared with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon. “We have almost prepared a proposal … which will be taken to the prime minister soon,” he said. He said that “genuine businessmen” face vi... -
Dawn - 16:15 Apr 14, 2026
ISLAMABAD: In a surprising turn of events, the sisters of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan on Tuesday managed to make their way to Adiala jail but were still denied a meeting with their brother. The sisters were not allowed to enter the jail by the authorities, following which they returned to the checkpost where they are typically stopped by police. Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan said, “Usually, police do not allow us to proceed onward and the jail administration informs the court that we did not arrive because of which the meeting could not be arranged.” “This time we reached outside the gate of Adiala jail and informed them that we are here,” she added. She said they made sure that their faces were recorded in the CCTV footage so that the jail administration would not deny their presence. Asked how the sisters managed to reach the main gate, Aleema replied that they would not reveal how, as in that case, it would become difficult to do the same again. “We could have stayed there but police officials... -
Dawn - 16:14 Apr 14, 2026
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, over her unwillingness to join the Iran war. “I’m shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong,” he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as “unacceptable” Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the pontiff’s repeated calls for an end to the war in the Middle East. Trump told Corriere that it was she who was “unacceptable”, alleging she did not care if Iran had a nuclear weapon, adding that she did not want Italy to be involved in the war, which began with Israeli-US attacks on Iran, even though it gets much of its oil from the region. Meloni, Italy’s far-right leader since October 2022, has been one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe and often seeks to act as a mediator between diverging US and European views. Meloni’s allies and political opponents were swift to offer th... -
Dawn - 15:07 Apr 14, 2026
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 global growth projection on Tuesday, warning that the world economy could be “thrown off course” by war in the Middle East — as the conflict roils commodity markets and sparks higher prices. The global economy is set to grow by 3.1 per cent this year, said the IMF in its World Economic Outlook report, released during its spring meetings in Washington. This is down from 3.3pc forecast in January before hostilities erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes against Iran that prompted Tehran’s retaliation and sparked a broader conflict in the region. “We were planning to upgrade growth for 2026 to 3.4pc” if not for the war, IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told AFP. Prices of oil, gas and fertilisers have surged, as Iran virtually blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping waterway. US President Donald Trump has also ordered a naval blockade around Iran’s ports. The IMF expects higher inflation this year at 4.4pc, 0.6 percentag... -
Dawn - 15:02 Apr 14, 2026
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Tuesday said it had granted a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) licence to Alibaba-owned Koko Tech Pakistan Pvt. Ltd (KTPL). “The entry of Alibaba-backed KTPL marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem,” it said in a press release. The press release further stated: “One of the world’s leading e-commerce and technology companies, Alibaba’s move into Pakistan reflects growing international confidence in the country’s large consumer base, expanding digital economy, and untapped financial services market.” It said that with its advanced artificial intelligence-driven credit assessment systems and globally tested digital infrastructure, KTPL was expected to introduce “innovative, data-driven lending solutions” in the BNPL space. “This will enhance access to consumer financing, particularly for young users, freelancers, and small businesses that remain underserved by traditional banking channels,” the press release said. It highlighte... -
Dawn - 14:29 Apr 14, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday about his upcoming visits to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye “for further engagement to promote peace efforts” and took him into confidence on “all aspects of the dialogue” between Iran and the United States, a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat said. Pakistan hosted direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad over the weekend, marking the highest engagement between the two sides since 1979, seeking a resolution to the US-Israeli war on Iran. However, both delegations departed the capital on Sunday after the talks ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown. It is now being reported that negotiating teams from the US and Iran could return to Islamabad later this week. On Monday, PM Shehbaz also told a meeting of the federal cabinet that “full efforts” were ongoing to resolve the conflict. The President Secretariat’s statement said PM Shehbaz called Zardari at the Aiwan-i-Sadr today, and the latter “appreciated the untiring ef... -
Dawn - 12:45 Apr 14, 2026
ISLAMABAD: Two policemen were injured as the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) anti-encroachment operation in the capital’s Noorpur Shahan area was met with strong protest from residents. As the anti-encroachment drive began, enraged individuals torched two of the CDA’s vehicles in protest, with authorities resorting to tear-gas shelling to disperse the people. More police deployment was also sought to control the law and order situation. The development comes a day after a protest staged by the slum dwellers of Allama Iqbal Colony at G-7 forced the CDA to postpone its operation. When the enforcement wing started the operation, the residents resisted and created a law and order situation, forcing the team to leave after sealing two structures. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) raised concerns over the CDA’s encroachment drives. Recalling a meeting it had convened, the HRCP said on X that activists, lawyers and citizens had urged superior court judges to “uphold the Supreme Court’s ... -
Dawn - 11:24 Apr 14, 2026
The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark index rallied over 5,000 points on Tuesday, a day after shedding more than 6,000 points. The KSE-100 index surged by 5,043.51 points, or 3.14 per cent, to close at 165,634.84 points, from the previous close of 160,591.33 points. The index recorded an intraday low of 165,763.81 points at around 9:30am. However, it then rose to an intraday high of 165,763.81 points at around 3pm, before settling at 165,634.84. A day ago, the market shed 6,600 points in a turbulent session, as fears of supply disruptions returned after inconclusive Iran-US peace talks, triggering panic-selling at the PSX. However, another round of Iran-US dialogue was being actively pursued as Pakistan and others have stepped up efforts to prevent the fragile process from sliding back into confrontation, diplomats said. On the macroeconomic front, Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-term foreign-currency rating at “B-”, providing some underlying support for investor confidence. Market sentimen... -
Dawn - 11:12 Apr 14, 2026
On Andy Corriher’s farm in North Carolina, planting and preparations are underway for his corn and soybean crops — but fertiliser costs have surged on war in the Middle East, and orders he placed weeks ago have yet to arrive. The 47-year-old is among US farmers facing a double whammy of soaring fertiliser and diesel prices after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered Tehran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for such shipments. “This time of year is when the majority of fertiliser is put out in this country,” Corriher told AFP. “We got hit at the worst possible time, because we’re trying to buy fertiliser when it skyrockets and when the supply also gets cut.” Andy Corriher examines his wheat crop at his farm in China Grove, North Carolina, on April 10, 2026. — AFP The cost hikes strike at a major support base for US President Donald Trump, who won 78 per cent of the 2024 vote in farming-dependent counties, said news service Investigate Midwest. Trump blamed “price gouging from the fertilise... -
Dawn - 10:14 Apr 14, 2026
Wisden has criticised Indian political interference in global cricket administration, labelling the current situation “increasingly Orwellian”. The UK-based Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, which dates back to 1864, is an annual record of all major cricket worldwide and is regarded as the sport’s “Bible”. In its 163rd annual edition, to be published on Thursday, editor Lawrence Booth highlighted what he sees as an unhealthy and politicised Indian dominance of the global game. The International Cricket Council has an Indian chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, and an Indian chairman, Jay Shah, who is the son of Amit Shah, India’s minister of home affairs and a longstanding ally of the prime minister, Narendra Modi. Wisden describes the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which Shah led before taking over at the International Cricket Council (ICC), as “the sporting adjunct of India’s ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)”. Booth also highlighted how politics intruded upon the 2025 Asia Cup, which took place against a ba... -
Dawn - 10:01 Apr 14, 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday barred Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani from participating in the next two editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In a statement, the cricket board said that after a thorough disciplinary review, Muzarabani was declared ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the tournament, effective immediately. “This decision stems from a fundamental failure to honour agreed-upon commitments, an action that undermines the professional framework of the league,” it said. Although the press release did not make specific mention of the agreement, ESPNcricinfo reported last month that Muzarabani, who was slated to play for Islamabad United, would not be doing so after securing a deal in the Indian Premier League with the Kolkata Knight Riders. “The PCB maintains that professional cricket operates on the bedrock of trust and the certainty of agreements. In this instance, despite a clear offer and an unequivocal acceptance of essential terms, the player chose to di... -
Dawn - 09:30 Apr 14, 2026
An ex-student opened fire at his former high school in Turkiye on Tuesday, where school shootings are rare, wounding 16 people, including students, before killing himself, officials said. Special security forces were deployed to the school in southeastern Turkiye’s Sanliurfa province, where students were evacuated, the local governor, Hasan Sildak, told reporters. The former student, 19, used a rifle during the attack, after which those wounded were rushed to a hospital in the Siverek district, Sildak said. Twelve of the wounded were still in the hospital. Local media reported that most of the wounded were students. Television footage showed ambulances standing by outside the school as students fled the building in panic. “He took his own life when cornered by police,” the governor said. “We have evacuated the school and will carry out a thorough investigation into this tragic incident,” he added. -
Dawn - 09:13 Apr 14, 2026
The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) has expressed its appreciation for the professionalism of Pakistan’s air traffic controllers. The remarks came in a letter by IFATCA Asia-Pacific Region Executive Vice President Cheryl Chen, which was shared by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Tuesday. According to IFATCA’s website, the apolitical federation provides guidance, representation, training, and other services to advance the status and professionalism of air traffic control. It has member associations in more than 130 countries from all corners of the globe. “I wish to express our sincere appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the air traffic controllers of Pakistan in recent weeks,” Chen said in the letter, a copy of which is available with Dawn. “Amid evolving geopolitical developments impacting regional airspace, Pakistan’s strategic position as a key corridor between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe has resulted in a si... -
Dawn - 08:34 Apr 14, 2026
The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s armed forces stood ready to “deter any aggression” vowing to deliver a “befitting response” to any such act. He made the assertion while addressing the passing out ceremony of cadets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in Risalpur. The naval chief, in his address congratulated the graduating cadets, expressing hope that they will “uphold PAF’s vision” with “commitment and dedication”. In his speech, he recalled the four-day conflict with India in May 2025 —Marka-i-Haq — and stressed that Pakistan stood “ever ready, vigilant, and capable to deter any aggression and give a befitting response”. The Pakistan Army had named the period of conflict with India, from the Pahalgam attack to the conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, as Marka-i-Haq in May, 2025. He further stated that the armed forces, including the navy, stood ready to “enhance our capabilities and keep up with the evolving geopolitical developments”. “Pakistan’s outstanding... -
Dawn - 07:30 Apr 14, 2026
Dozens of protesters were detained by police in New York City on Monday during demonstrations calling for the blocking of arms sales to Israel and an end to US military support for its ally. Demonstrators included the anti-war group Jewish Voice for Peace, which said around 90 people were detained. Among those detained was whistleblower Chelsea Manning, a former US Army soldier and WikiLeaks source. The New York City Police Department said there were “multiple” arrests but did not provide a number. Clips from the protests showed a crowd gathering near the offices of US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democratic colleague, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Protesters chanted slogans like “stop the bombs”, “end the killings”, and “free Palestine” while expressing opposition to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon and Israel’s assault on Gaza. The protesters also chanted “let Gaza live”, “let Iran live” and “let Lebanon live”. The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran res...
8959 items